News Summary
California cherry growers are anticipating a harvest reduction of up to 50% due to extreme weather and adverse conditions. Local officials are weighing a disaster declaration for financial aid. Growers are adopting a cautious optimism as they prepare for the season, but the outlook remains uncertain with potential storms ahead. Economic losses could reach $90 million, prompting discussions about necessary assistance to navigate these challenges.
California Cherry Growers Face Low Yields Amid Disaster Assistance Consideration
The cherry season has officially begun in San Joaquin County, California, but many growers are bracing for a significantly lighter harvest this year. Local officials are contemplating a request for a disaster declaration from the state, which could provide financial assistance to those adversely affected by the unfavorable conditions. The current outlook predicts that California’s cherry crop could be down by as much as 50% statewide, according to industry experts.
Factors contributing to the anticipated lower yields include multiple days of extreme heat last summer, followed by poor weather conditions during the crucial pollination period this spring, marked by wind and rain. Such adverse weather has posed significant challenges for cherry tree production, straining the plants and forcing them into a ‘survival mode’ that hampers fruit production. As a result, local growers are now facing the ramifications of these difficult growing conditions.
James Chinchiolo, Vice President of the San Joaquin County Farm Bureau Federation, has indicated that the overall expectation is for a significantly lighter crop across the county, which usually contributes cherries to California’s Central Valley, known for its rich agricultural output. Chinchiolo is preparing for his “u-pick” cherry season, set to launch on May 16, but remains cautious due to a forecasted storm that could impact both the fruit’s size and quality.
The San Joaquin County Agricultural Commissioner is currently conducting assessments among farmers to understand the extent of the damages. If crop losses surpass 30%, a formal request for disaster relief could be submitted. At present, there is no clear timeline for when this request will be made, but the urgency is mounting as growers analyze the potential impacts of impending severe weather.
In light of the challenges presented, there exists a degree of cautious optimism among some growers. While fewer cherries may lead to a reduction in overall harvest sizes, growers anticipate that the remaining fruit could be larger and of higher quality. For instance, Drew Cheney of Machado Family Farms has noted that certain cherry varieties are performing well despite the adverse conditions. His farm is preparing for cherry picking to begin on May 10, just ahead of the anticipated rainfall.
Prior to these developments, the value of the 2023 cherry crop was projected at around $90 million. However, as damage assessments are conducted, it is expected that the economic forecast will be adjusted downward in light of potential losses. Reports suggest that losses might reach 50%, especially after recent storm activity that has detrimentally affected cherry quality, rendering a portion of the fruit unmarketable.
In response to this situation, low-interest loans may become available to affected growers should the disaster declaration be approved. Existing crop insurance options, while helpful, typically do not cover the full extent of losses resulting from the recent weather events. Therefore, the need for additional assistance remains critical as cherry growers navigate this unpredictable season.
The cherry industry in California, particularly in areas like San Joaquin County, has historically played a vital role in the region’s agricultural landscape. As growers face an uncertain future in the immediate term due to these significant weather-related challenges, the possibility of state and local assistance through a disaster declaration offers a glimmer of hope as they strive to adapt and recover.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- ABC10: Cherry Farmers Struggle
- Fruitnet: California Cherries Back on Track
- The Packer: California Cherries Volume Dip
- Wikipedia: Cherry
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cherry
